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All posts for the month July, 2017

Just yesterday, I picked up where Siena left off with her Duplo set after she went out with her mum. I tried to eliminate as many parts as possible, so that I can use the excess bricks to build more items. In the process, I created a minimalistic structure with elements of vernacular architecture, which I was rather proud of.

Imagine two 3 stories tree house held together by a common rooftop that bears the resemblance of a 16th century castle, supported by two key panels. Yes, it looked wobbly but was strong enough to stand on it’s own, if left untouched. And I had it completed just in time for Siena’s return.

Unfortunately, I trusted Siena to play with my delicate construction and watched the effort collapsed before my eyes. The pain was only amplified by the fact that I had not taken any picture of my proud construction.

As a parent, I should have known better than to leave any delicate possession in the hand of my kids. Was I surprised? No. Heart broken? You bet!

Needless to say, Siena got her punishment with my silent treatment throughout dinner. After that, I made her help in the reconstructing every element of the building exactly the same way – a decision proven to be futile, as she was just as stubborn as me, with a mind of her own when it comes to creative works. I relented by spending the rest of the evening watching her pieced together her own version of the building all by herself.

Right about midnight before I headed to bed, I walked past her finished apartment and decided to give it another go. Hours later, the result was astonishing.

With Siena’s inspiration and a little imagination, I constructed towering Rapunzel castle, a final product that was even more impressive than the earlier version. This would never have been possible if things had fallen into place perfectly earlier in the day. Funny how my Duplo moment is as much a metaphor for life, as it is for play.

The reaction on Siena and Alannah’s face on their new Duplo construction this morning was worth every effort. Before that, I made sure I took plenty of photos, expecting full well that it may return to ground zero the moment I get home.